title: HIV-related risk factors among black African migrants and refugees in Christchurch, New Zealand: results from the Mayisha-NZ survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the demographic characteristics of, and HIV-related risk behaviours among, black African migrants and refugees in Christchurch.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey of black African migrants and refugees in Christchurch was carried out. Ten trained African community researchers recruited study participants in social venues and events frequented by Africans. A short self-completed questionnaire collected data on demographic characteristics, previous HIV testing, HIV risk perception, previous STI diagnosis, utilization of health services and sexual behaviours.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Valid questionnaires were obtained from 245 respondents (150 men and 95 women) with a mean age of 28 years (range 16 to 58). Participants came from 13 different African countries. Risk factors for HIV identified in this study included: low condom use, low HIV risk perception, having more than one sexual partner, previous STI diagnosis and lack of voluntary testing for HIV.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings justify the need for developing an HIV prevention strategy for black Africans in New Zealand that is informed by local evidence. This strategy should also address sexual health needs of Africans including barriers to condom use, the availability of HIV/STI screening services and targeting sexual behaviours that increase vulnerability to HIV infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and General Practice, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Gerida
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Birukila
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brunton
authors.forename: Nigel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dickson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa / Q000208:ethnology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D012036:Refugees; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult